Use of a Portable Mechanical Ventilator during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is Feasible, Improves Respiratory Parameters, and Prevents the Decrease of Dynamic Lung Compliance. / O Uso de um Ventilador Mecânico Portátil na Ressuscitação Cardiopulmonar é Viável, Melhora os Parâmetros Respiratórios e Previne a Redução da Complacência Pulmonar Dinâmica.

BACKGROUND: For practical and protective ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a 150-grams mechanical ventilator (VLP2000E) that limits peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) during simultaneous ventilation with chest compressions was developed. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of VLP2000E ventilation during CPR and to compare monitored parameters versus bag-valve ventilation. METHODS: A randomized experimental study with 10 intubated pigs per group. After seven minutes of ventricular fibrillation, 2-minute CPR cycles were delivered. All animals were placed on VLP2000E after achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). RESULTS: Bag-valve and VLP2000E groups had similar ROSC rate (60% vs. 50%, respectively) and arterial oxygen saturation in most CPR cycles, different baseline tidal volume [0.764 (0.068) vs. 0.591 (0.123) L, p = 0.0309, respectively] and, in 14 cycles, different PIP [52 (9) vs. 39 (5) cm H2O, respectively], tidal volume [0.635 (0.172) vs. 0.306 (0.129) L], ETCO2[14 (8) vs. 27 (9) mm Hg], and peak inspiratory flow [0.878 (0.234) vs. 0.533 (0.105) L/s], all p < 0.0001. Dynamic lung compliance (≥ 0.025 L/cm H2O) decreased after ROSC in bag-valve group but was maintained in VLP2000E group [0.019 (0.006) vs. 0.024 (0.008) L/cm H2O, p = 0.0003]. CONCLUSIONS: VLP2000E ventilation during CPR is feasible and equivalent to bag-valve ventilation in ROSC rate and arterial oxygen saturation. It produces better respiratory parameters, with lower airway pressure and tidal volume. VLP2000E ventilation also prevents the significant decrease of dynamic lung compliance observed after bag-valve ventilation. Further preclinical studies confirming these findings would be interesting.

FUNDAMENTOS: Para ventilação prática e protetora durante a ressuscitação cardiopulmonar (RCP), desenvolveu-se um ventilador mecânico (VLP2000E) de 150 gramas que limita o pico de pressão inspiratória (PPI) durante ventilação e compressões torácicas simultâneas. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a viabilidade da ventilação com VLP2000E durante RCP e comparar os parâmetros monitorados versus ventilação com bolsa-válvula. MÉTODOS: Estudo experimental randomizado com 10 porcos intubados por grupo. Após sete minutos de fibrilação ventricular, iniciaram-se ciclos de RCP de 2 minutos. Todos os animais foram ventilados com VLP2000E após o retorno da circulação espontânea (RCE). RESULTADOS: Os grupos bolsa-válvula e VLP2000E apresentaram taxa de RCE (60% vs. 50%, respectivamente) e saturação arterial de oxigênio similares na maioria dos ciclos de RCP, volume corrente basal diferente [0,764 (0,068) vs. 0,591 (0,123) L, p = 0,0309, respectivamente] e, em 14 ciclos, diferentes PPI [52 (9) vs. 39 (5) cm H2O, respectivamente], volume corrente [0,635 (0,172) vs. 0,306 (0,129) L], ETCO2 [14 (8) vs. 27 (9) mm Hg], e pico de fluxo inspiratório [0,878 (0,234) vs. 0,533 (0,105) L/s], todos p < 0,0001. A complacência pulmonar dinâmica (≥ 0,025 L/cm H2O) diminuiu após o RCE no grupo bolsa-válvula, mas se manteve no grupo VLP2000E [ 0,019 (0,006) vs. 0,024 (0,008) L/cm H2O, p = 0,0003]. CONCLUSÕES: Ventilação com VLP2000E durante RCP é viável e equivalente a ventilação com bolsa-válvula quanto à taxa de RCE e saturação arterial de oxigênio. Esse ventilador produz melhores parâmetros respiratórios, com pressão das vias aéreas e volume corrente menores. Ventilação com VLP2000E também previne a redução significante da complacência pulmonar dinâmica observada após ventilação com bolsa-válvula. Seria interessante realizar mais estudos pré-clínicos para confirmar esses resultados.

Escore de risco para sangramento pós-operatório clinicamente relevante em cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica / Risk score for clinically relevant postoperative bleeding in coronary artery bypass grafting

INTRODUÇÃO: O sangramento cirúrgico é uma complicação comum no pós-operatório (PO) em cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (RM) e, quando significante, aumenta mortalidade. Os estudos apresentam grande variabilidade quanto à definição de sangramento maior (clinicamente relevante) no PO, fatores de risco e prognóstico. O presente estudo objetivou identificar preditores independentes para sangramento maior após RM, avaliar seu impacto em mortalidade precoce e elaborar escore de risco para sangramento maior. MÉTODOS: Coorte retrospectiva, baseada em banco de dados com inclusão prospectiva, em hospital cardiológico quaternário. Foram incluídos 9826 pacientes submetidos à RM isolada entre 1999 e 2017; 80% para derivação e 20% para validação do escore. Curvas ROC para o modelo logístico e simplificado foram apresentadas. Modelos de regressão logística foram construídos para estimar o impacto do sangramento maior no risco de morte. Definimos sangramento maior como drenagem torácica total acima de 2 L ou que indicou revisão de hemostasia. RESULTADOS: Os preditores independentes para sangramento maior em PO de RM foram sexo masculino, idade elevada, menor índice de massa corpórea, disfunção renal prévia, antecedente de AVC, tempo de anóxia elevado. Pacientes com sangramento maior apresentaram 5,84 vezes mais chance de óbito quando comparados com pacientes sem sangramento [20.9% vs. 4.2%, OR 5,84 (IC95% 4,01-8,49), p<0,001] no modelo ajustado para idade, sexo, hipertensão, AVC prévio, disfunção renal, doença arterial periférica, extensão da DAC e tempo de CEC. Foram criados escores de risco com variáveis pré-operatórias (tabela 1) e com variáveis pré e intra-operatórias (tabela 2). Observou-se que não houve diferença significativa entre a AUC dos dois modelos, possibilitando a utilização do modelo pré-operatório antes da cirurgia, viabilizando a realização de medidas para evitar sangramento maior no PO. CONCLUSÕES: Em coorte brasileira submetida à RM isolada, os fatores de risco independentemente relacionados ao sangramento PO incluíram variáveis pré- e intra-operatórias de relevância clínica, e foram associados a maior mortalidade hospitalar. Pacientes com sangramento maior apresentaram risco elevado de óbito quando comparados a pacientes sem sangramento. Os escores de risco de sangramento construídos discriminaram gradientes de risco de 10-15 vezes entre o de menor risco e o de maior risco.

Five-year cardiovascular outcomes in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with imatinib, dasatinib, or nilotinib: A cohort study using data from a large multinational collaborative network.

Background: Breakpoint cluster region-Abelson gene (BCR-ABL) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have revolutionized the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, concern has arisen about the cardiac safety profile of these drugs. Objectives: This study aims to compare long-term risks of adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (ACE), heart failure or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50%, and venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in patients with CML treated with BCR-ABL TKIs, using data from a large multinational network. Methods: Patients aged ≥ 18 years with CML treated with imatinib, dasatinib, or nilotinib without prior cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease were included. We used propensity score matching to balance the cohorts. The 5-year cumulative incidences and hazard ratios were calculated. Results: We identified 3,722 patients with CML under treatment with imatinib (n = 1,906), dasatinib (n = 1,269), and nilotinib (n = 547). Patients with imatinib compared to dasatinib showed a higher hazard ratio (HR) for ACE (HR 2,13, 95% CI 1.15-3.94, p = 0.016). Patients with imatinib presented a lower HR than nilotinib for ACE (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30-0.83, p = 0.0074). In relation to heart failure or LVEF < 50%, patients with imatinib had a higher HR than dasatinib (HR 9.41, 95% CI 1.22-72.17, p = 0.03), but no significant difference was observed between imatinib and nilotinib (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.215-1.01, p = 0.064). Conclusion: In this retrospective study with a large number of patients with CML, those treated with nilotinib had a higher 5-year ratio of ACE, while patients with dasatinib showed a lower ratio than patients with imatinib. The ratio of heart failure was higher in patients with imatinib than in patients with dasatinib, but not when compared to nilotinib.

O Uso de um Ventilador Mecânico Portátil na Ressuscitação Cardiopulmonar é Viável, Melhora os Parâmetros Respiratórios e Previne a Redução da Complacência Pulmonar Dinâmica / Use of a Portable Mechanical Ventilator during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is Feasible, Improves Respiratory Parameters, and Prevents the Decrease of Dynamic Lung Compliance

Resumo Fundamentos Para ventilação prática e protetora durante a ressuscitação cardiopulmonar (RCP), desenvolveu-se um ventilador mecânico (VLP2000E) de 150 gramas que limita o pico de pressão inspiratória (PPI) durante ventilação e compressões torácicas simultâneas. Objetivos Avaliar a viabilidade da ventilação com VLP2000E durante RCP e comparar os parâmetros monitorados versus ventilação com bolsa-válvula. Métodos Estudo experimental randomizado com 10 porcos intubados por grupo. Após sete minutos de fibrilação ventricular, iniciaram-se ciclos de RCP de 2 minutos. Todos os animais foram ventilados com VLP2000E após o retorno da circulação espontânea (RCE). Resultados Os grupos bolsa-válvula e VLP2000E apresentaram taxa de RCE (60% vs. 50%, respectivamente) e saturação arterial de oxigênio similares na maioria dos ciclos de RCP, volume corrente basal diferente [0,764 (0,068) vs. 0,591 (0,123) L, p = 0,0309, respectivamente] e, em 14 ciclos, diferentes PPI [52 (9) vs. 39 (5) cm H2O, respectivamente], volume corrente [0,635 (0,172) vs. 0,306 (0,129) L], ETCO2 [14 (8) vs. 27 (9) mm Hg], e pico de fluxo inspiratório [0,878 (0,234) vs. 0,533 (0,105) L/s], todos p < 0,0001. A complacência pulmonar dinâmica (≥ 0,025 L/cm H2O) diminuiu após o RCE no grupo bolsa-válvula, mas se manteve no grupo VLP2000E [ 0,019 (0,006) vs. 0,024 (0,008) L/cm H2O, p = 0,0003]. Conclusões Ventilação com VLP2000E durante RCP é viável e equivalente a ventilação com bolsa-válvula quanto à taxa de RCE e saturação arterial de oxigênio. Esse ventilador produz melhores parâmetros respiratórios, com pressão das vias aéreas e volume corrente menores. Ventilação com VLP2000E também previne a redução significante da complacência pulmonar dinâmica observada após ventilação com bolsa-válvula. Seria interessante realizar mais estudos pré-clínicos para confirmar esses resultados.

Abstract Background For practical and protective ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a 150-grams mechanical ventilator (VLP2000E) that limits peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) during simultaneous ventilation with chest compressions was developed. Objectives To evaluate the feasibility of VLP2000E ventilation during CPR and to compare monitored parameters versus bag-valve ventilation. Methods A randomized experimental study with 10 intubated pigs per group. After seven minutes of ventricular fibrillation, 2-minute CPR cycles were delivered. All animals were placed on VLP2000E after achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Results Bag-valve and VLP2000E groups had similar ROSC rate (60% vs. 50%, respectively) and arterial oxygen saturation in most CPR cycles, different baseline tidal volume [0.764 (0.068) vs. 0.591 (0.123) L, p = 0.0309, respectively] and, in 14 cycles, different PIP [52 (9) vs. 39 (5) cm H2O, respectively], tidal volume [0.635 (0.172) vs. 0.306 (0.129) L], ETCO2[14 (8) vs. 27 (9) mm Hg], and peak inspiratory flow [0.878 (0.234) vs. 0.533 (0.105) L/s], all p < 0.0001. Dynamic lung compliance (≥ 0.025 L/cm H2O) decreased after ROSC in bag-valve group but was maintained in VLP2000E group [0.019 (0.006) vs. 0.024 (0.008) L/cm H2O, p = 0.0003]. Conclusions VLP2000E ventilation during CPR is feasible and equivalent to bag-valve ventilation in ROSC rate and arterial oxygen saturation. It produces better respiratory parameters, with lower airway pressure and tidal volume. VLP2000E ventilation also prevents the significant decrease of dynamic lung compliance observed after bag-valve ventilation. Further preclinical studies confirming these findings would be interesting.

Epidemiological profile of patients with heart diseases with indications for palliative care

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Western countries, with heart failure being the final pathway of heart disease. Despite this, few patients are referred for Palliative Approach (PA). There is no consensus about the indication or the right time to refer patients to PA, whose main objective is to improve the patient's quality of life. OBJECTIVE: Characterize the epidemiological profile of patients with heart diseases with indication for PA in a hospital specialized in cardiology. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with analysis of 554 patients included for PA from Feb 2018 to Feb 2022. Frequency, median, percentage, mean, maximum and minimum value were used for statistical analysis RESULTS: The sample comprised of 554 patients (P), for PA 270( 57% ) were male, mean age 71 ±14 years, 179(37%) Catholic, 91(20%) Evangelical, With most frequent medical history of arrhythmia 242(51%), ventricular dysfunction 297(62%), Coronary artery bypass graft surgery 109 (23%) and stroke 175(15%). The most frequent clinical complains were: Dyspnea 329(59.30%), Lower limb edema 96(17.39%), diagnosis at the time of PA was renal failure 351 P (74.4%) and of these 148 (31%) needed hemodialysis, Heart failure 177(31.9%) (HF), Sepsis/Septic shock 146(26,3), stroke 113(20%). The mean ejection fraction was 40%. As for performance in activities of daily living we used the Palliative performance Scale (PPS) where 282 (71,1%) needed life support. We evaluated the prognosis with the PPI scale, 345(56.8%) with high short-term mortality. Regarding treatment, 277(58,7%) of patients with PA had CVC, 277(58.7%) received broad spectrum antibiotics, 196(41.5%) dobutamine, 138(30%) noradrenaline, 164 (34.7%) on mecanichl ventilation 130(27.5%) on hemodialysis 116(24.6%) sedated, 81 (8%) with IAP. Among these patients 295(52.9%) died during hospitalization and 126 (22%) were able to be discharged. Only 26(4.7%) did not accept the PA protocol, the most frequent site of the PA was 245(51.1%) in the ICU, followed by the ward with 227 (48%) P. CONCLUSION: In our sample we identified that patients with heart disease in PA still receive futile interventions and therapies, and the most frequent site of palliation is the ICU. This shows a later indication for PC , in patients with advanced HF and at the end of life. Strategies and institutional protocols are needed for an earlier indication, in order to promote integral care and better qualy of life.

Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction 99th Percentile versus Diagnostic Cut-off Value of Troponin I for Acute Coronary Syndromes. / Troponina I por Percentil 99 da Definição Universal de Infarto do Miocárdio versus Ponto de Corte de Melhor Acurácia em Síndromes Coronárias Agudas.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary diagnosis of ACS and risk stratification are essential for appropriate management and reduction of mortality and recurrent ischemic events, in the acute phase of disease and after hospitalization. The Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction recommends the detection of troponin levels above the 99th percentile. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the occurrence of early death and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients without elevation of troponin (<0.034 ng/mL), patients with mild elevation (above the 99th percentile [>0.034 ng/mL and <0.12 ng/mL)], and patients with significant elevation of troponin (above the diagnostic cutoff for AMI defined by the troponin kit (≥0.12 ng/mL)]; and to analyze the impact of troponin on the indication for invasive strategy and myocardial revascularization. METHODS: Cross-sectional cohort study of patients with ACS with assessment of peak troponin I, risk score, prospective analysis of 30-day clinical outcomes and two-sided statistical tests, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: A total of 494 patients with ACS were evaluated. Troponin > 99th percentile and below the cutoff point, as well as values above the cutoff, were associated with higher incidence of composite endpoint (p<0.01) and higher rates of percutaneous or surgical revascularization procedures (p<0.01), without significative difference in 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Troponin levels above the 99th percentile defined by the universal definition of AMI play a prognostic role and add useful information to the clinical diagnosis and risk scores by identifying those patients who would most benefit from invasive risk stratification and coronary revascularization procedures.

FUNDAMENTO: O diagnóstico de síndrome coronária aguda (SCA) e a estratificação de risco contemporâneos são fundamentais para o manejo apropriado e redução da mortalidade e eventos isquêmicos recorrentes, tanto na fase aguda quanto após hospitalização. A Definição Universal de Infarto do Miocárdio recomenda a detecção de curva de troponina acima do limite superior do percentil 99. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a ocorrência de óbito e infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) na fase precoce em pacientes sem elevação de troponina (<0,034 ng/mL), pacientes com mínima elevação [acima do percentil 99 (>0,034 ng/mL e <0,12 ng/mL)], e pacientes com maiores elevações [acima do ponto de corte para IAM pelo kit utilizado (≥0,12 ng/mL)]; e avaliar o impacto dos níveis de troponina na indicação de estratégia invasiva e revascularização miocárdica. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal de pacientes com SCA com avaliação do pico da troponina I, escores de risco, análise prospectiva de desfechos clínicos até 30 dias e testes bilaterais de significância, com nível de significância adotado sendo < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 494 pacientes com SCA. Troponina > percentil 99 e abaixo do ponto de corte, assim como valores maiores (acima do ponto de corte), foram associados à maior incidência do desfecho composto (p<0,01) e de revascularização percutânea ou cirúrgica (p<0,01), sem diferença significante em mortalidade até 30 dias. CONCLUSÕES: Valores de troponina elevados acima do percentil 99 pela Definição Universal de IAM apresentam papel prognóstico e agregam informação útil ao diagnóstico clínico e escores de risco na identificação de pacientes com maior probabilidade de benefício com estratificação invasiva e procedimentos de revascularização coronária.

Troponina I por percentil 99 da definição universal de infarto do miocárdio versus ponto de corte de melhor acurácia em síndromes coronárias agudas / Universal definition of myocardial infarction 99th percentile versus diagnostic cut-off value of troponin I for acute coronary syndromes

FUNDAMENTO: O diagnóstico de síndrome coronária aguda (SCA) e a estratificação de risco contemporâneos são fundamentais para o manejo apropriado e redução da mortalidade e eventos isquêmicos recorrentes, tanto na fase aguda quanto após hospitalização. A Definição Universal de Infarto do Miocárdio recomenda a detecção de curva de troponina acima do limite superior do percentil 99. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a ocorrência de óbito e infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) na fase precoce em pacientes sem elevação de troponina (<0,034 ng/mL), pacientes com mínima elevação [acima do percentil 99 (>0,034 ng/mL e <0,12 ng/mL)], e pacientes com maiores elevações [acima do ponto de corte para IAM pelo kit utilizado (≥0,12 ng/mL)]; e avaliar o impacto dos níveis de troponina na indicação de estratégia invasiva e revascularização miocárdica. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal de pacientes com SCA com avaliação do pico da troponina I, escores de risco, análise prospectiva de desfechos clínicos até 30 dias e testes bilaterais de significância, com nível de significância adotado sendo < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 494 pacientes com SCA. Troponina > percentil 99 e abaixo do ponto de corte, assim como valores maiores (acima do ponto de corte), foram associados à maior incidência do desfecho composto (p<0,01) e de revascularização percutânea ou cirúrgica (p<0,01), sem diferença significante em mortalidade até 30 dias. CONCLUSÕES: Valores de troponina elevados acima do percentil 99 pela Definição Universal de IAM apresentam papel prognóstico e agregam informação útil ao diagnóstico clínico e escores de risco na identificação de pacientes com maior probabilidade de benefício com estratificação invasiva e procedimentos de revascularização coronária.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary diagnosis of ACS and risk stratification are essential for appropriate management and reduction of mortality and recurrent ischemic events, in the acute phase of disease and after hospitalization. The Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction recommends the detection of troponin levels above the 99th percentile. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the occurrence of early death and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients without elevation of troponin (<0.034 ng/mL), patients with mild elevation (above the 99th percentile [>0.034 ng/mL and <0,12 ng/mL)], and patients with significant elevation of troponin (above the diagnostic cutoff for AMI defined by the troponin kit (≥0.12 ng/mL)]; and to analyze the impact of troponin on the indication for invasive strategy and myocardial revascularization. METHODS: cross-sectional cohort study of patients with ACS with assessment of peak troponin I, risk score, prospective analysis of 30-day clinical outcomes and two-sided statistical tests, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: A total of 494 patients with ACS were evaluated. Troponin > 99the percentile and below the cutoff point, as well as values above the cutoff, were associated with higher incidence of composite endpoint (p<0.01) and higher rates of percutaneous or surgical revascularization procedures (p<0.01), without significative difference in 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: troponin levels above the 99the percentile defined by the universal definition of AMI play a prognostic role and add useful information to the clinical diagnosis and risk scores by identifying those patients who would most benefit from invasive risk stratification and coronary revascularization procedures.

Hospitalization for primary care-sensitive conditions in adults and its impact on hospital care in São Paulo city, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Identifying conditions among all cause hospitalizations that could be prevented at the primary care level would allow the development of strategies to reduce the range of diseases treated in hospital and promote a more efficient utilization of resources. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate hospitalizations for clinical conditions that are sensitive to primary care in adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with data captured in hospital electronic health records using the diagnosis related groups classification system. RESULTS: Primary care-sensitive conditions were associated with longer duration of hospitalization, older age, higher prevalence of female patients, higher complexity at admission and during hospitalization, and a higher risk of mortality as compared with other conditions not sensitive to primary care. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of hospitalizations are due to causes sensitive to primary care. Hospitalizations due to primary care-sensitive conditions are associated with longer hospital stay, greater complexity and severity, and a higher risk of mortality.

Hospitalization for Primary Care-Sensitive Conditions in Adults and Its Impact on Hospital Care in São Paulo City, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Identifying conditions among all cause hospitalizations that could be prevented at the primary care level would allow the development of strategies to reduce the range of diseases treated in hospital and promote a more efficient utilization of resources. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate hospitalizations for clinical conditions that are sensitive to primary care in adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with data captured in hospital electronic health records using the diagnosis related groups classification system. RESULTS: Primary care-sensitive conditions were associated with longer duration of hospitalization, older age, higher prevalence of female patients, higher complexity at admission and during hospitalization, and a higher risk of mortality as compared with other conditions not sensitive to primary care. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of hospitalizations are due to causes sensitive to primary care. Hospitalizations due to primary care-sensitive conditions are associated with longer hospital stay, greater complexity and severity, and a higher risk of mortality.

Accuracy of an adherence score and time in therapeutic range among patients on chronic use of vitamin K antagonists / Acurácia de um escore de adesão e tempo na faixa terapêutica entre pacientes em uso crônico de antagonistas da vitamina K / Precisión de lapuntuación de adherencia y tiempo en rango terapéuticoentre pacientes enuso crónico de antagonistas de la vitamina K

Abstract: To validate and analyze the accuracy of the Simonetti adherence score Among patients on chronic use of vitamin K antagonists and their time in therapeutic range (TTR) of the international normalized ratio as a measure of quality of anticoagulation. A prospective cohort study with a nonrandomized intervention in patients from an anticoagulation center of a public hospital. Baseline data were collected from May to September 2017, and follow-up data were obtained eight months after a nurse-led educational intervention, which was given to all patients after consent form and after applying the adherence score (N=205). The intervention was undertaken through 30-40 min conversation about relevant factors that had been previously identified in the score derivation study, which comprised drug-drug interactions, inadequate OAC use, comorbidities, effects of food on vitamin K absorption, and invasive procedures. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to validate the adherence score in terms of prediction of INR out of recommended therapeutic range. At baseline, mean adherence score was 44.69 and standard deviation (SD) was 18.37, and mean TTR was 41.07 (SD 15.40). Patients were reassessed after 8 months. At follow-up, there were significant improvements in mean adherence score 54.28 (SD 13.13), and in mean TTR 50.99 (SD 26.10). The Simonetti adherence score yielded high performance and accuracy in clinical practice among patients on chronic use of vitamin K antagonists. Our data indicate that nurse led educational intervention yielded favorable impact in terms of adherence score and TTR improvements.Abstract: To validate and analyze the accuracy of the Simonetti adherence score Among patients on chronic use of vitamin K antagonists and their time in therapeutic range (TTR) of the international normalized ratio as a measure of quality of anticoagulation. A prospective cohort study with a nonrandomized intervention in patients from an anticoagulation center of a public hospital. Baseline data were collected from May to September 2017, and follow-up data were obtained eight months after a nurse-led educational intervention, which was given to all patients after consent form and after applying the adherence score (N=205). The intervention was undertaken through 30-40 min conversation about relevant factors that had been previously identified in the score derivation study, which comprised drug-drug interactions, inadequate OAC use, comorbidities, effects of food on vitamin K absorption, and invasive procedures. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to validate the adherence score in terms of prediction of INR out of recommended therapeutic range. At baseline, mean adherence score was 44.69 and standard deviation (SD) was 18.37, and mean TTR was 41.07 (SD 15.40). Patients were reassessed after 8 months. At follow-up, there were significant improvements in mean adherence score 54.28 (SD 13.13), and in mean TTR 50.99 (SD 26.10). The Simonetti adherence score yielded high performance and accuracy in clinical practice among patients on chronic use of vitamin K antagonists. Our data indicate that nurse led educational intervention yielded favorable impact in terms of adherence score and TTR improvements.

Resumo: Validar e analisar a precisão do escore de adesão de Simonetti entre pacientes em uso crônico de antagonistas da vitamina K e seu tempo na faixa terapêutica (TTR) da razão normalizada internacional como uma medida de qualidade da anticoagulação. Um estudo de coorte prospectivo com intervenção não randomizada em pacientes de um centro de anticoagulação de um hospital público. Os dados iniciais foram coletados de maio a setembro de 2017, e os dados de acompanhamento foram obtidos oito meses após uma intervenção educacional liderada por um enfermeiro, que foi dada a todos os pacientes após o termo de consentimento e após a aplicação do escore de adesão (N = 205). A intervenção foi realizada por meio de conversa de 30-40 minutos sobre fatores relevantes que haviam sido identificados anteriormente no estudo de derivação de pontuação, que incluíam interações medicamentosas, uso inadequado de ACO, comorbidades, efeitos dos alimentos na absorção de vitamina K e procedimentos invasivos. Uma curva de característica de operação do receptor (ROC) foi aplicada para validar o escore de adesão em termos de previsão de INR fora da faixa terapêutica recomendada. No início do estudo, a pontuação média de adesão foi de 44,69 e o desvio padrão (DP) foi de 18,37, e o TTR médio foi de 41,07 (DP 15,40). Os pacientes foram reavaliados após 8 meses. No acompanhamento, houve melhorias significativas na pontuação média de adesão de 54, 28 (DP 13,13) e no TTR médio de 50,99 (DP 26,10). O escore de adesão de Simonetti rendeu alto desempenho e precisão na prática clínica entre pacientes em uso crônico de antagonistas da vitamina K. Nossos dados indicam que a intervenção educacional conduzida por enfermeiros produziu um impacto favorável em termos de pontuação de adesão e melhorias no TTR.

Resumen: Validar y analizar la precisión del puntaje de adherencia de Simonetti entre pacientes en uso crónico de antagonistas de la vitamina K y su tiempo en rango terapéutico (TTR) de la razón internacional normalizada como medida de calidad de anticoagulación. Estudio de cohorte prospectivo con intervención no aleatorias en pacientes de un centro de anticoagulación de un hospital público. Los datos de referencia se colectaron de mayo a septiembre de 2017 y los datos de seguimiento se obtuvieron ocho meses después de una intervención educativa dirigida por un enfermero, que se proporcionó a todos los pacientes después del formulario de consentimiento y después de aplicar la puntuación de adherencia (N = 205). La intervención se llevó a cabo a través de una conversación de 30 a 40 minutos sobre factores relevantes que se habían identificado previamente en el estudio de derivación de puntajes, que comprendían interacciones medicamentosas, uso inadecuado de ACO, comorbilidades, efectos de los alimentos en la absorción de vitamina K y procedimientos invasivos. Se aplicó una curva de característica operativa del receptor (ROC) para validar la puntuación de adherencia en términos de predicción de INR fuera del rango terapéutico recomendado. Al inicio del estudio, la puntuación media de cumplimiento fue de 44,69 y la desviación estándar (DE) fue de 18,37 y la TTR media fue de 41,07 (DE 15,40). Los pacientes fueron reevaluados después de 8 meses. En el seguimiento, hubo mejoras significativas en la puntuación media de adherencia 54, 28 (DE 13,13) y en la media de TTR 50, 99 (DE 26, 10). La puntuación de adherencia de Simonetti arrojó un alto rendimiento y precisión en la práctica clínica entre los pacientes con uso crónico de antagonistas de la vitamina K. Nuestros datos indican que la intervención educativa dirigida por enfermeros produjo un impacto favorable en términos de mejora de la puntuación de adherencia y TTR.

Estratégias de prevenção e tratamento que envolvem espiritualidade em cardiologia / Prevention and treatment strategies involving spirituality in cardiology

Neste texto, são discutidas estratégias de prevenção e tratamento que envolvem espiritualidade em alguns aspectos da cardiologia. Iniciando por aspectos conceituais de espiritualidade, religião e religiosidade, falamos de espiritualidade no contexto de hipertensão arterial e insuficiência cardíaca, com uma análise final que aborda a espiri-tualidade como um empenho constante da humanidade em busca de sua compreensão e seu papel na vida em geral e, sobretudo nas doenças. Para entender os sentimentos envolvidos no papel da espiritualidade nas doenças cardiovasculares em geral e em algumas específicas, são abordados conceitos relevantes como: compaixão, gratidão, perdão, ansiedade e depressão, entre outros aspectos que influenciam a vida cotidiana e podem levar a mecanismos que desencadeiam ou agravem as doenças cardiovasculares já presentes.

Efficacy and safety of dabigatran versus warfarin from the RE-LY trial.

Background: Current data for atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke are predominantly derived from North American and European patients. Although the burden of AF is high in Latin America (LA), little is known about current management of AF in the region. Methods: We aimed to assess the consistency of efficacy and safety outcomes associated with dabigatran etexilate (DE) versus warfarin in patients with AF in LA from the RE-LY (Randomised Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulant Therapy) trial. Data from 956 LA patients and 17 157 non-LA patients were included in this analysis. χ2 test and Cox proportional regression analysis were performed. The primary efficacy outcome included all strokes or systemic embolism (SE). Main safety outcome was major bleeding. Results: LA patients were more often female, had higher proportion of permanent AF and lower creatinine clearance, among other characteristics. Vitamin K antagonist use at randomisation and time in therapeutic range were lower in LA than in non-LA patients (44% vs 63%, p<0.001; and 61.3±22.6% vs 64.6±19.6%, p=0.015, respectively). Efficacy endpoints were 0.91% versus 1.68% for DE 150 mg twice daily versus warfarin, respectively. Stroke/SE risk was lower in LA patients treated with DE 150 mg twice daily compared with warfarin, although not significant (HR 0.54; 95% CI 0.18 to 1.62). The annual stroke/SE rates for DE 110 mg twice daily versus warfarin were 1.82 versus 1.68, also not significantly different (HR 1.09; CI 0.44 to 2.67). There were no treatment-by-region interactions for either dose of DE on efficacy and safety outcomes. Conclusion: Despite differences in the clinical profile and AF management, the efficacy and safety benefits of dabigatran over warfarin in LA patients relative to non-LA patients are consistent with those observed in the main RE-LY trial.

Adiponectina sérica e risco cardiometabólico em pacientes com síndromes coronarianas agudas / Serum adiponectin and cardiometabolic risk in patients with acute coronary syndromes

FUNDAMENTO: O tecido adiposo representa não somente uma fonte de energia estocável, mas principalmente um órgão endócrino que secreta várias citoquinas. A adiponectina, uma nova proteína semelhante ao colágeno, foi descoberta como uma citoquina específica do adipócito e um promissor marcador de risco cardiovascular. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre os níveis séricos da adiponectina e o risco para a ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares, em pacientes com síndromes coronarianas agudas (SCA), e as correlações entre adiponectina e os biomarcadores metabólicos, inflamatórios e miocárdicos. MÉTODOS: Foram recrutados 114 pacientes com SCA, com seguimento médio de 1,13 ano para avaliação de desfechos clínicos. Modelos de regressão de risco proporcional de Cox com penalização de Firth foram construídos para determinar a associação independente entre adiponectina e o risco subsequente dos desfechos primário (composto de óbito cardiovascular/IAM não fatal/AVE não fatal) e coprimário (composto de óbito cardiovascular/ IAM não fatal/AVE não fatal/re-hospitalização requerendo revascularização). RESULTADOS: Houve correlações diretas e significantes entre adiponectina e idade, HDL-colesterol e BNP, e inversas e significantes entre adiponectina e circunferência abdominal, peso corporal, índice de massa corporal, índice HOMA, triglicerídeos e insulina. A adiponectina foi associada a maior risco para os desfechos primário e coprimário (HR ajustado 1,08 e 1,07/incremento de 1.000, respectivamente, p = 0,01 e p = 0,02). CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes com SCA, a adiponectina sérica foi preditor de risco independente para eventos cardiovasculares. De modo adicional às correlações antropométricas e metabólicas, a adiponectina mostrou correlação significante com BNP.

BACKGROUND: The adipose tissue is considered not only a storable energy source, but mainly an endocrine organ that secretes several cytokines. Adiponectin, a novel protein similar to collagen, has been found to be an adipocyte-specific cytokine and a promising cardiovascular risk marker. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between serum adiponectin levels and the risk for cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), as well as the correlations between adiponectin and metabolic, inflammatory, and myocardial biomarkers. METHODS: We recruited 114 patients with ACS and a mean 1.13-year follow-up to measure clinical outcomes. Clinical characteristics and biomarkers were compared according to adiponectin quartiles. Cox proportional hazard regression models with Firth's penalization were applied to assess the independent association between adiponectin and the subsequent risk for both primary (composite of cardiovascular death/non-fatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI)/non-fatal stroke) and co-primary outcomes (composite of cardiovascular death/non-fatal AMI/non-fatal stroke/rehospitalization requiring revascularization). RESULTS: There were significant direct correlations between adiponectin and age, HDL-cholesterol, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and significant inverse correlations between adiponectin and waist circumference, body weight, body mass index, Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) index, triglycerides, and insulin. Adiponectin was associated with higher risk for primary and co-primary outcomes (adjusted HR 1.08 and 1.07/increment of 1000; p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSION: In ACS patients, serum adiponectin was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. In addition to the anthropometric and metabolic correlations, there was a significant direct correlation between adiponectin and BNP.

Serum adiponectin and cardiometabolic risk in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND: The adipose tissue is considered not only a storable energy source, but mainly an endocrine organ that secretes several cytokines. Adiponectin, a novel protein similar to collagen, has been found to be an adipocyte-specific cytokine and a promising cardiovascular risk marker. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between serum adiponectin levels and the risk for cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), as well as the correlations between adiponectin and metabolic, inflammatory, and myocardial biomarkers. METHODS: We recruited 114 patients with ACS and a mean 1.13-year follow-up to measure clinical outcomes. Clinical characteristics and biomarkers were compared according to adiponectin quartiles. Cox proportional hazard regression models with Firth's penalization were applied to assess the independent association between adiponectin and the subsequent risk for both primary (composite of cardiovascular death/non-fatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI)/non-fatal stroke) and co-primary outcomes (composite of cardiovascular death/non-fatal AMI/non-fatal stroke/rehospitalization requiring revascularization). RESULTS: There were significant direct correlations between adiponectin and age, HDL-cholesterol, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and significant inverse correlations between adiponectin and waist circumference, body weight, body mass index, Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) index, triglycerides, and insulin. Adiponectin was associated with higher risk for primary and co-primary outcomes (adjusted HR 1.08 and 1.07/increment of 1000; p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSION: In ACS patients, serum adiponectin was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. In addition to the anthropometric and metabolic correlations, there was a significant direct correlation between adiponectin and BNP.